Posted: November 30, 2020

Established in spring 2009, the Academy is a three-year leadership development opportunity for a select group of 30 students.

As Academy participants, students will develop leadership fundamentals to thrive in an environment in which multiple dimensions of an issue are explored, diverse viewpoints are welcomed and heard, and a fully informed and respectful discourse ensues, leading to sound action.

Through the Presidential Leadership Academy, the curricular and extracurricular opportunities available through the Academy lead to further development of critical thinking abilities necessary for leaders to implement decisions with sensitivity to the circumstances that led them and the flexibility to rethink decisions and even change course along the way. A highlight of the Academy is a two-credit introductory seminar led by the President of the University.

Interested students may apply for membership in the Academy or may be nominated by members of the university community.  Nominations and applications will open December 1, 2020. Deadline for receipt of nominations is January 29, 2021 and the application closes on February 8, 2021.

You may complete the formal nomination or application at: https://academy.psu.edu/prospective/index.cfm

Please note that the only requirements necessary for nominations are:

  1. current status as a first-year student
  2. demonstrated leadership skills, either in or outside the classroom
  3. a minimum GPA of 3.2

Students nominated for the Academy will be asked to complete the application process, which includes a resume, two essay questions, and two letters of recommendation (a nomination may serve as one recommendation).

Information Session via Zoom only: